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This answer challenges the common myth that most people experiencing homelessness have moved into Colorado from another state. In a study from 2023, almost 90% of the nearly 10,000 individuals included in the data reported their last permanent address within Colorado — meaning the vast majority have local or in-state ties. In a study from 2023, almost 90% of the nearly 10,000 individuals included in the data reported their last permanent address within Colorado — meaning the vast majority
The 2025 Point-in-Time Count identified 1,745 people experiencing homelessness in El Paso County on January 26, 2025. The Point-in-Time Count is only a one-night snapshot, so the total number of people who experience homelessness over the course of a year is potentially considerably higher. Springs Rescue Mission directly addresses this need as the largest homeless services provider in Southern Colorado, operating a 450-bed tiered shelter program that serves hundreds of those individuals every night with shelter, meals, and case management.
7.2 million American households experience severe housing cost burden, meaning they spend more than 50 percent of their income on housing costs. 66% of extremely low-income households are severely housing cost burdened. These households are at direct risk of losing housing and experiencing homelessness if an unexpected loss in income transpires.
Homelessness is rarely caused by just one thing. It often happens when several challenges overlap — losing a job, facing high rent, dealing with mental or physical health issues, escaping domestic violence, or struggling with addiction or debt. The National Alliance to End Homelessness identifies lack of deeply affordable housing as a major driver, and research links medical debt with later housing instability. Because no single factor explains homelessness, Springs Rescue Mission takes a whole-person approach — offering addiction recovery, job training, and access to medical care, mental health counseling, and housing assistance… all underone roof.
Research shows a strong connection between childhood trauma and later experiences of homelessness. A systematic review in a public health journal found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — such as abuse, neglect, or household instability — are strong risk factors for homelessness and poor health outcomes in adulthood. The CDC defines ACEs as potentially traumatic childhood events and notes they can have long-term impacts on health, opportunity, and well-being. Through strategic partnerships with on-campus partner agencies like Diversus Health, Springs Rescue Mission provides access to clinical mental health counseling to help guests work through these core issues that may be correlated with a struggle with homelessness.
Getting a job is extremely difficult without stable housing, even for someone highly motivated to work. In order to gain employment, people may need a mailing address, transportation, a working phone, clean clothes, and access to a shower — none of which are easy to secure without housing. The U.S. Government Accountability Office notes that a residential address is often required just to obtain ID, which is in turn required for employment. Springs Rescue Mission removes these barriers directly: guests have access to on-site showers and laundry, phone-charging stations, and more. Individuals can also use SRM as their mailing address. Job readiness programming provides resumé help, mock interviews, and direct employer connections.
Long-term recovery from homelessness usually requires more than one-time help. Lasting stability depends on housing support, mental healthcare, addiction recovery, employment assistance, and community relationships. The City of Colorado Springs' 2025 Homelessness Response Action Plan features housing paired with wraparound supportive services as a pillar of its strategy. Springs Rescue Mission embodies this model with 24/7, 365 wraparound care that provides holistic support with individual attention. SRM’s movement model walks guests from emergency shelter and immediate relief into life skills development, recovery, and job training, and finally into permanent housing —with counselors and case managers alongside them at every step.
Springs Rescue Mission operates a 450-bed tiered shelter program, making it the primary homeless services provider in Colorado Springs and the largest of its kind in Southern Colorado.
Organizations like Springs Rescue Mission do far more than provide a place to sleep. SRM's holistic approach is built around three pillars: housing, health, and work. In practice, this means on-site medical and dental clinics, licensed mental health counselors, a structured addiction recovery program, job training and employer connections, hot meals served daily, and full-time chaplains offering pastoral care and one-on-one mentoring. Every service is designed to help guests achieve lasting independence, not just temporary relief.
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Your gift to Springs Rescue Mission meets immediate needs—like meals, shelter, and care—while providing steady support that helps men and women take real steps toward stability and renewed lives. Together, we walk alongside our neighbors every day, not just in moments of crisis, but throughout their journey to lasting transformation. Consider increasing your impact through monthly giving, providing reliable care all year long.
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